General Foundation Grants

The Hillsdale County Community Foundation offers General Foundation Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. These grants support projects in education, fine arts, social services, and more. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and educational institutions. Priority is given to initiatives that benefit a broad audience and address local issues. The Foundation does not fund religious activities, individuals, or administrative costs. Overall, it seeks creative solutions to community needs.

Over the years the Hillsdale County Community Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to make a powerful, positive difference in our community. The Foundation administers over 100 funds and awards grants at various times throughout each year.
General grants are made from our named unrestricted endowment funds. General Foundation grants focus on improving the quality of life for the citizens of Hillsdale County. Eligible projects generally fall within these categories; education, fine arts, social services, community development, recreation, environmental issues, health, and wellness.
Purpose
The HCCF is interested in funding projects that will improve the quality of life for the citizens of
Hillsdale County. Eligible projects generally fall within these categories: education, fine arts, social
services, community development, recreation, environmental issues, health and wellness, and
improvement in the physical, mental, and moral conditions of Hillsdale County residents. The
Foundation aims to support creative approaches to community needs and problems that benefit the
widest possible range of people.
Funds
In addition to unrestricted endowment funds, there are a number of individual named funds administered by the Foundation as part of its endowment. Many of these are restricted to certain purposes in accordance with the wishes of the donors.

Eligibility

The Foundation welcomes grant applications from the Hillsdale County area or outside Hillsdale County
if a significant number of the people to be served reside within Hillsdale County. Applicants must be tax
exempt according to Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an educational institution, or
governmental unit. An organization receiving a grant in any grant cycle may apply for further grants after the third subsequent grant cycle.

Ineligibility

Low priority is given to brick and mortar requests and ongoing programs where alternative funding is not planned to carry a program/project forward following a Foundation grant. The current objectives of the Foundation do not allow grants for: Religious or sectarian purposes Individuals Legislative or political purposesLoans Capital campaigns Routine maintenance, including office equipment Administrative costs for maintaining the present operation of an organization, including, but not
limited to, staff salaries, wages, and benefits. Salaries may be considered on a case-by-case basis
only as related to direct program expenses, not daily operations. Education requests that supplant rather supplement the ongoing operations of the school district,
such as equipment or educational materials, including curriculum supplies and resources